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Allergen Testing

Sneezing is not always the symptom of a cold. Sometimes, it is an allergic reaction to something in the air. According to The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), allergic diseases are among the major causes of illness and disability in the United States, affecting as many as 40 to 50 million Americans. Health experts estimate that 35 million Americans suffer from upper respiratory tract symptoms that are allergic reactions to airborne allergens. The respiratory symptoms of asthma, which affect approximately 11 million Americans, are often provoked by airborne allergens.

An allergy is a specific reaction of the body’s immune system to a normally harmless substance, one that does not bother most people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one substance. Types of allergens that cause allergic reactions include:

Pollens House Dust Mites Mold Spores Food Animal Dander Latex Rubber Insect Venom Medicines

The signs and symptoms of airborne allergies are familiar to many.

1. Sneezing, often with a runny or clogged nose.
2. Coughing and postnasal drip.
3. Itching eyes, nose, and throat.
4. Watering Eyes.
5. Conjunctivitis.
6. “Allergic Shiners” (dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses)
7. “Allergic Salute” (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose)

In people who are not allergic, the mucus in the nasal passages simply moves foreign particles to the throat, where they are swallowed or coughed out. But something different happens in a person who is sensitive to airborne allergens. In sensitive people, as soon as the allergen lands on the lining inside the nose, a chain reaction occurs that leads the mast cells in these tissues to release histamine and other chemicals. The powerful chemicals contract certain cells that line some small blood vessels in the nose. This allows fluids to escape, which causes the nasal passages to swell resulting in nasal congestion. Histamine also can cause sneezing, itching, irritation, and excess mucus production, which can result in allergic rhinitis.

Some people with allergy develop asthma, which can be a very serious condition. The symptoms of asthma include:

Coughing Wheezing Shortness of breath

The shortness of breath is due to a narrowing of the airways in the lungs and to excess mucus production and inflammation. Asthma can be disabling and sometimes fatal. If wheezing and shortness of breath accompany allergy symptoms, it is a signal that the airways also have become involved.

To help you better manage your allergy symptoms, you must first know what is causing your allergy. With proper information you can take steps to avoid exposure to problem allergens, purchase the correct allergen-avoiding products and contact your health care professional to get specific medical treatment.

 

Allergy testing is the first step to feeling better if you suffer from allergic reactions or if you suspect you may have allergies.

 

Allergy Self Testing

We offer a simple, convenient, low cost alternative to the common allergy skin test administered in a healthcare professional's office that can cost as much as $1,500. Our test screens for ten of the most common allergens, is safe, accurate and convenient to use in the privacy of your home. The "My Allergy Test" was developed by Dr. Vincent Marinkovich, a world renowned Allergist and Immunologist and is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared.

MyAllergyTest l more info
	Only U.S. FDA cleared allergy testing method available without a prescription. (PMN file K020387) Accurate results. The test is equally as accurate as standard laboratory testing systems. Uses a simple virtually painless fingerstick blood sample requiring 4-5 drops of blood. Simple, easy to follow directions with toll free help line assistance if needed. Sample mailed direct to the licensed lab in a postage prepaid envelope. No additional costs. Results available through mail or Internet in about a week. Email notification of test results is an option. View Sample Test Results. Tests for ten of the most common allergens: House Dust Mite, Cat, Timothy Grass, Bermuda Grass, Mountain Cedar, Short Ragweed, Alternaria (mold), Milk, Egg White, and Wheat. Easy to understand results with allergen intensity ratings and a personalized Allergy Plan offering educational material and allergy solutions. Complete kit includes blood collection tube, 2 single use safety lancets, funnel, alcohol prep pad, adhesive bandage, bar code labels, Personal Identification card, Registration card and prepaid shipping envelope. Test can be performed while taking antihistamines. Read the Frequently Asked Questions about the MyAllergyTest®.
MyAllergyTest Allergen Test   Price: $49.95 MyAllergyTest Allergen Test - 2 pack  Price: $89.95 My Allergy Self Test - single test My Allergy Self Test - two pack Quantity: